3 Simple Things to Know About CBD for Dogs | UPDATE 2018

If you have spent any time researching CBD for dogs, you have probably found a plethora of information including products.

Since it is illegal for vets to offer any guidance and even discuss it, you’re probably wondering if these products are safe. At the end of the day, if you can’t talk to your vet then how can you be sure?

In this article, I’m going to show you simple things to know about CBD for dogs. Providing a good rule of thumb so you can walk away having enough information to make informed decisions. And let me clear about something: educating and treating your pet is very important to me.

Let’s get started!

SEARCHING FOR COMMON TERMS

When searching for CBD, you will find all sorts of information for humans and pets. And sometimes the information found can be misleading since CBD is relatively a new term.

When I started The Cannabis Pet, there were terms such as Hemp oil, CBD oil, cannabis oil, marijuana oil all referring to oil from the cannabis plant that made it quite confusing not to mention trying to understand what the difference is between hemp and marijuana.

Let’s Understand – The Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana

First, Hemp pertains to the strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant that is grown for its fiber and seed oils without representing flowering buds at any stage of the growing cycle. It is the seed and fiber of the stalk that produces more CBD (cannabinoids) than its counterpart having only traces of THC (less than 0.3%). Hemp requires a different growing condition which results in low concentrations of THC and hemp comes from the stalk, not the flowering buds or leaves. If the idea is to maximize the concentration of THC, then we move to talking about marijuana (drug).

Marijuana is what we all think about for that “buzz” effect. It is the flowering tops or “buds” of the female cannabis plant having the highest concentration of THC, followed by the leaves. Achieving maximum THC levels requires close attention to grow-room conditions, maintain stable light, temperature, humidity, C02 and oxygen levels, among other things.

Here is a quick snapshot of the differences between hemp and marijuana:

Other than appearance, chemical makeup and how it’s grown, the real difference between hemp and marijuana is the level of THC or “resin” in the plant. The resin is the gooey, sticky part of the flowering bud containing higher levels of THC. Hemp is the stalk of the Cannabis Sativa. Make sense?

Leafly put out this video (about 3 minutes) which explains the difference between CBD vs. THC. It is a good one! So, Watch It!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmWS3ghXYU

How to Choose a Hemp CBD Product – Finding a Reputable Source for CBD Pet Products

One of the best things to do when you’re considering buying CBD oil for your dog is to talk to the professionals at a dispensary. However, CBD products sold at dispensaries means it uses the full flower. And using the flower or “buds” have higher concentrations of THC. THC can be harmful if you do not know how much to give your pet. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian first!

Also don’t be surprised if your veterinarian is for it or against it. Although the results from clinical research are promising, it is still relatively new. And because of their licensing restrictions, they can get into a lot of trouble with the Veterinary Medical Board. (for more information on this topic scroll to The Fight between Your Vet and Veterinary Medical Board)

Another way is research on your own, talk with other dog owners, get their feedback. Remember, trying CBD oil made by hemp has hardly any side effects, so it will not hurt to try for yourself.

As a last resort, and if you go at this alone here are 3 things you will want to know:

Ask what country the CBD comes from and where the end product is manufactured

If you follow these guidelines, plus consult with your vet, you and your pet will be safe!

Here is what good packaging looks like:

Is CBD Oil Safe? How Do I Know?

Actually, it is! The benefits of using CBD for your dog has helped many ailments such as treating seizures & epilepsy, arthritis, boost appetite, reduces anxiety and so much more! Products containing CBD have opened a new world for pet care and those who believe in natural remedies.

Early research and anecdotal testimonials show that CBD has helped pets in many ways. Here’s a list for you to check out:

BONUS: Drs. Gary Richter and Robert Silver, both vets and both understand the benefits of conventional and holistic treatments. Together, they offer an opportunity for you to know how to treat your sick pet safely and effectively. Take the Class!

The Fight Between Your Vet vs. Veterinary Medical Board

Veterinarians in all 50 states are barred from discussing or providing guidance about cannabis with pet parents. In California, Prop 215, the Compassionate Use Act authorizing medical cannabis in 1996, and Prop 64 establishing the adult use of cannabis in 2016, a regulatory gap prevents California 6,000 state-licensed veterinarians from discussing cannabis as a treatment option for animal care. This is nation-wide, all 50 states.

In order for veterinarians to have the ability to openly talk about cannabis with pet parents, on February 21, 2018, Assemblymember Ash Kalra authored AB 2215 to require the Veterinary Medical Board establish guidelines for veterinarians to discuss medical cannabis products.

The coalition supporting AB 2215 is planning events across California in the coming months to educate pet families about the need to allow veterinarians to discuss cannabis.

Will you help us and SIGN THE PETITION? You do not need to be in California to sign. Please help our pets and sign this petition.

CONCLUSION

There is no better time than now to begin understanding CBD and how CBD has impacted the lives of many pets – in a good way!

Remember this:Hemp is the stalk and Marijuana is the flowering budDo your research if your vet is unavailable to commentAsk lots of questions and get referrals from people you trustTake classes to become better informedRead product labels!

And make sure you completely know exactly how much to give to your pet. Don’t just guess. Understanding dosage is super important!

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About Us

At CBD Care 4 Pets, we understand the love between a pet owner and their pet companion. Similarly, we share a never-ending commitment to making your pets’ lives more enjoyable and long-lasting. We know that the longer we can enrich your pets’ lives, the longer they will enrich yours.